Latest News in Chicago, IL

Newly Passed Bills Will Help Protect Immigrants At Schools, Courts And Hospitals In Illinois

Illinois lawmakers passed bills to enhance protections for immigrant communities, limiting federal immigration enforcement at courthouses and healthcare facilities. The new measures ban civil arrests at courthouses and require hospitals and educational institutions to develop procedures to handle immigration enforcement activities. These legislative actions aim to ensure safe access to vital services for all residents, regardless of immigration status.

West Loop Apartment Plan Needs Neighborhood Group's OK, But They Want More Parking

A proposed five-story, 66-unit apartment development at 1201 W. Kinzie St. faces community opposition over inadequate parking. Residents argue that the plan for only 14 parking spaces will exacerbate existing street congestion. Developers LG Development aim to rezone the site from industrial to residential, pending neighborhood approval.

The Confessions Project Invites Chicagoans To Share What They Cant Say Out Loud

The Confessions Project invites Chicagoans to express their unspoken thoughts using a vintage typewriter and a mailbox for submissions. Creator Ernest Smith aims to foster healing and connection through shared experiences, collecting over 100 confessions since launching the project in Wicker Park. The initiative addresses personal challenges amid broader societal anxieties, including immigration enforcement.

Nonstop Christmas Music Returns To 93.9 LITE FM Tuesday, Later Than In Recent Years

93.9 LITE FM will begin its all-holiday music format at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, marking a later start than in previous years. The launch coincides with a contest offering a trip to Las Vegas to see Mariah Carey perform.

Car-Free Meet Me On Milwaukee Events Will Return To Wicker Park Next Year

Wicker Park’s “Meet Me On Milwaukee” car-free events will return in 2026 after a successful pilot program this year. The events, which closed Milwaukee Avenue to traffic for several Sundays, attracted significantly increased foot traffic, benefiting local businesses. Organizers reported attendance tripled during the August event compared to last year.

82 Kimbap Opens In The Loop, Serving Korean Rice Rolls, And More Downtown Food News

Michael Yoo and Jimmy Jung launched 82 Kimbap, a fast-casual eatery in Sterling Food Hall, serving Korean rice rolls. The duo, inspired by their craving for Korean comfort food, spent months perfecting their recipes before opening their stall. 82 Kimbap aims to provide a taste of home for the Asian American community in Chicago.

Chicago Restaurants Offering Free, Discounted Meals During SNAP Freeze

Chicago restaurants provide free and discounted meals to families affected by the pause in SNAP funding, impacting around 2 million residents. Offers include free meals at various locations and discounted coupons for those in need. Local food pantries also ramp up efforts to support the community during this challenging time.

Chicago Should Pause Evictions As ICE Raids Continue, Housing Advocates Say

Tenants groups in Chicago urge local leaders to implement an eviction moratorium amid ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations targeting residents. The All-Chicago Tenants Alliance argues that fear of eviction exacerbates financial struggles for vulnerable workers, particularly in the Latino community. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed willingness to consider the request, while no response has come from Governor JB Pritzker.

Filming ICE Detention Of Man With Schizophrenia Left Bystander 'Trembling'

Federal agents apprehended Omar Huerta Cisneros, a man with schizophrenia, in Chicago Lawn while he walked to a grocery store. Bystander Edgar Manzo recorded the incident, providing crucial evidence for Cisneros' family, who struggled to locate him after his detention. Without the video, they would have remained unaware of his whereabouts for weeks.

Turner Hus Brewery Pauses Daily Operations As Dixie Pura Opens

Three new restaurants are set to open in Bronzeville, including the Southern Southeast Asian eatery Dixie Pura, which recently celebrated its grand opening. Meanwhile, Turner Haus Brewery has paused its daily operations to focus on future plans after operating for nearly two years.